Job ref: VAC000168/2024

Job Description

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced professional with a good depth of knowledge of Housing Benefit and associated systems, who is a strong leader, good problem solver and confident decision maker. You must have at least 2 years related work-based experience in a demanding management role including line management responsibilities and have a good working knowledge of Capita One Benefits software. It is important that you are highly motivated to deliver service improvements through technology but also to ensure that the service is compliant with legislation and provides great services to support residents. As well as excellent technical skills, you must have the ability to successfully manage and motivate others. You should have experience in running complex projects and providing technical advice and guidance to senior managers, councillors, colleagues, customers, and external organisations.

About the role

This interesting and varied new role offers an outstanding opportunity to become a key member of the Benefits and Welfare Service Management Team. This role will report to the Benefits and Welfare Lead and be responsible for managing a small team looking after all systems and data for the service.

You will be leading on a wide range of service priorities and cross-council initiatives including:

• Identifying opportunities to improve service delivery through technology
• Ensuring data use policies and practices are compliant with legislation and DWP standards
• Delivering a penalty free Housing Benefit Subsidy claim each year
• Technical aspects of moving Council Tax Support from a benefit towards a discount
• Making best use of available data to support decisions on service performance and future development

About the team

The Benefits and Welfare Service sits within the Finance Directorate and delivers both statutory benefits and discretionary support to Exeter households. Sharing a processing system and customers with the Revenues team involves close partnership working across the Revenues and Benefits teams as well as Customer Services and others.  We work closely with colleagues in the other Devon district and unitary authorities through the Devon Revenues & Benefits Officers group as well as sharing an IT service with East Devon and Teignbridge Councils.

What next?

If we sound like the right fit for you, we welcome your application. Please apply online via https://jobs.exeter.gov.uk

When applying, please give specific and relevant examples that relate to each point on the Person Specification.

Alternatively if you would like to find out more about the post, the team or working with us at the Council please contact Chris Buckman, Benefits & Welfare Lead by calling 01392 265703 or via email at chris.buckman@exeter.gov.uk